Experiences of Bothy Project : A Report Compiled from a Survey of 'Live/Work' Artist Residency Participants

McLauchlan, Anna and Iles, Morag (2020) Experiences of Bothy Project : A Report Compiled from a Survey of 'Live/Work' Artist Residency Participants. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. (https://doi.org/10.17868/73633)

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Abstract

This report compiles responses to an online survey of participants in Bothy Project ‘live/work’ artist residencies at two main sites in Scotland: Inshriach Bothy, in Inshriach Estate in the Cairngorms National Park (operational since October 2012), and Sweeney’s Bothy on the Isle of Eigg (up and running from February 2014). In November 2019 a link to the survey was emailed to 165 people listed as doing these residencies (with a reminder in December). Forty-five full responses were received. The majority of respondents (40 of 45) noted a direct beneficial impact on their work or practice from their Bothy Project residency. Undertaking a residency often resulted in tangible artworks and influenced the ‘feel’ of what was made. Some people changed existing, or adopted new, working practices during their residency. A small group stated that the residency had directly inspired new ways of thinking. Two (of 45) people wrestled with the conditions, making it difficult for them to complete pre-existing projects. Overall, the experiences narrated in this survey support further research into approaches that enable people to make the most of any given residency experience.

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